标签： Asia

The Pentagon has formally requested congressional approval for over $200 billion in supplemental funding to support military operations in Iran, according to a Washington Post report. This substantial financial request comes as the Trump administration contemplates deploying additional thousands of troops to the Middle East, signaling potential expansion of the conflict into a prolonged engagement with possible ground invasion capabilities.

The funding figure, which represents quadruple the amount previously discussed in recent days, has encountered immediate resistance from Democratic lawmakers. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) declared the proposal “an absolute nonstarter,” emphasizing that cutting off funding represents the most effective method to conclude the conflict and restrain what he characterized as a “lawless administration.”

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) provided historical context, noting that “at the height of combat the Iraq War cost around $140 billion per year,” suggesting the current request indicates preparation for an extended military campaign.

The funding package faces significant legislative hurdles, requiring 60 votes for Senate passage and necessitating some Democratic support. Neither Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) nor House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) had responded to the funding request reports at the time of publication.

This development follows reports that U.S. investigators have determined American forces were responsible for bombing an Iranian elementary school during the initial phase of the conflict, resulting in approximately 175 casualties, predominantly children.

Simultaneously, Reuters reported the administration is considering substantial troop deployments to reinforce Middle East operations, including potential missions to secure oil tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz and possible operations on Iran’s Kharg Island—a move described by officials as “very risky” given Iran’s missile and drone capabilities.

Dylan Williams of the Center for International Policy observed that “we are seeing the Iran war become a quagmire in real time,” criticizing the rapidly escalating funding requests as demonstrating “a total lack of understanding or control over what he has gotten us into.”

Foreign policy journalist Laura Rozen suggested the administration “blundered into what he thought would be a few day ‘excursion’” without adequate preparation or strategic clarity, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi characterized the $200 billion as merely “the tip of the iceberg” in terms of ultimate costs.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has issued a stark warning about the escalating Middle East conflict, emphasizing its detrimental impact on global shared interests during a high-level phone discussion with British counterpart Yvette Cooper. The diplomatic exchange occurred against the backdrop of expanding regional hostilities that threaten international stability.

Minister Wang articulated China’s firm position that prolonged military engagement benefits no nation, asserting that an immediate cessation of hostilities reflects the collective will of the international community. He highlighted the conflict’s far-reaching consequences beyond regional security, noting its disruptive effects on critical global systems including energy markets, financial networks, trade routes, and maritime shipping operations.

The Chinese diplomat emphasized the necessity of resolving differences through equitable dialogue mechanisms, urging all involved parties to prioritize regional peace and stability. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, both China and Britain bear special responsibility for maintaining international peace, Wang noted, calling for enhanced bilateral coordination to uphold UN Charter principles and fundamental norms of international relations.

British Foreign Secretary Cooper presented the UK’s perspective on the Middle East situation, acknowledging the increasingly turbulent global landscape. She expressed Britain’s desire to maintain close communication channels with China to facilitate conflict resolution, promote diplomatic negotiations, and work toward sustainable long-term solutions.

Both officials also discussed bilateral relations, agreeing to actively implement leadership consensus, strengthen exchanges, and advance their comprehensive strategic partnership. This cooperation, they concurred, could provide crucial stability and predictability during a period of global transformation and uncertainty.

A significant diplomatic controversy has emerged in London as British parliamentarians urgently call for the suspension of Israel’s newly appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom. Tzachi Braverman, who previously served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s chief of staff, faces serious allegations of obstructing an investigation into classified information leaks during the Gaza conflict.

The disciplinary division of Israel’s civil service had previously recommended a six-month suspension for Braverman following accusations that he attempted to interfere with an inquiry into sensitive document leaks that occurred during September 2024. These leaks allegedly aimed to bolster Netanyahu’s political position concerning Gaza war negotiations.

According to reports from Israel’s Channel 13 News, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar recently met with Daniel Hershkowitz, the acting civil service commissioner, reportedly seeking to prevent Braverman’s suspension to facilitate his diplomatic appointment. This development has raised concerns about political influence over judicial processes.

British MPs from across the political spectrum have expressed profound reservations. Kim Johnson, a Labour Party MP, stated: ‘Mr. Braverman’s appointment should be halted immediately. The fact that he is facing suspension for allegedly obstructing an inquiry into leaked classified information during the Gaza genocide raises serious questions about trust and political influence over due process.’

Chris Law, the Scottish National Party’s international trade spokesperson, emphasized the diplomatic implications: ‘At a time when trust among politicians across these islands in the Israeli government is at an all-time low, appointing a man who has allegedly been integral to obstructing an investigation would do little to improve relations.’

The controversy centers on allegations that Braverman told former Netanyahu spokesman Eli Feldstein that he could ‘shut down’ the leak investigation—a claim both Braverman and the Prime Minister’s office deny, accusing Feldstein of fabrication.

This appointment controversy occurs against a backdrop of increasingly strained UK-Israel relations, which have included British sanctions against two Israeli ministers last June and diplomatic spats involving inflammatory rhetoric from Israeli officials toward British leadership.

A significant political and security controversy has erupted in Washington following the resignation of Joseph Kent, the former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). The FBI has initiated an investigation into Kent for allegedly disclosing classified information, a probe that reportedly began prior to his very public departure.